Antonio (Tony) Ribeiro

• Directing, guiding and supporting field programs and staff as it relates to safely implementing and delivering high level programming in high-risk and non-permissive work environments in often hostile countries/regions across the globe.
• Managing a team of professional regional expatriate security managers who work closely with local (host country) security professionals from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Corporate team participation to develop strategy and identify potential opportunities in line with Creative's mandate
• Business development initiatives outside security and management responsibilities exploiting existing networks and creating new networks globally that supports the same or similar international development ideas and initiatives
• Troubleshoot and proactively provide a solutions orientated approach to all aspects of Creative Associates business and delivery models from HQ to our teams in the field.
• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
• Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
• Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
• Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
• Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
• Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
• Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.

• Supports the Senior Director of Security (SDS) with day-to-day management of more that 30 field office as it relates to security and security operations globally
• Support the SDS with the management of the corporate Security Department in Washington D.C.
• As Director Global Security Operations, I manage security operations, assists in managing security proposal development, as well as conducting investigations and reporting of allegations about possible fraud, Waste, Abuse and Misconduct and Trafficking in Persons (TIP) as well as potential Child Abuse
• Assist with developing strategic, and business continuity plans for the Security Department in coordination with the Global Operations Director, the SDS and Security Department team
• Provide progress reports; Identification of security needs; Assists in developing and implementing new policies and procedures across the Security Department
• Monitor and apply Security’s budget, and liaise amongst all offices at Creative to ensure maintenance of all proper communication channels and collaboration opportunities concerning all field security functions of the Security Department
• The position also contributes to the formulation and implementation of planned strategies and initiatives to enhance security program quality and sophistication
• High level involvement with business development and capture work, as well startup and closeout operations of field programs

• Based in Washington D.C. the position has the overall responsibility to manage and direct all our 30 plus field offices as it relates to our implementation of USAID projects, our security approach as well as our operational security during delivery in high risk and non-permissive environments to ensure the safety of our staff, offices and other assets in the field as well as the communities we work with.
• Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
• Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
• Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
• Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
• Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.

Creative’s Corporate Representative on the ground supporting negotiations with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) on issues regarding taxation, corporate registration, and visa/work permit issuance for 24 international staff in country, as well as related matters with the US Embassy, OAA and the Regional Legal Office (RLO)

• Manage two international risk management service providers for Creative’s country programs, with a contract-ceiling portfolio of $83 million for OTI/Community Cohesion Initiative and $42 million USD, USAID/Afghan Workforce Development Program
• Manage two local contracts, including the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF) subcontracts in country with a contract-ceiling value of $2 million USD
• Liaise with Creative HQ Security department to ensure in country compliance on vetting and allegation verification to support overall program compliance for all Creative programming in country
• Focal point for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in country when required
• Advise the Chief of Party’s in country and Program Directors at HQ to properly ensure the safe implementation of program
• Focal point for the US Embassy’s Partner Liaison Security Office (PLSO)
• Provide analysis to inform Executive leadership decision-making at HQ on corporate matters in response to the fluid environment to ensure safety, contract compliance and integrity, and continued programmatic implementation
• Support programmatic operations in coordination with the Deputy Chief of Party-Operations
• Support with program closeout through managing all asset disposition in 5 provinces and Kabul as well as office and GH closure and handover
• Supported CCI with the Elections Observation and Audit mission in Afghanistan, by fielding 40 international observers and providing oversight and support for security, logistics and general liaison with the IEC

Spearheaded negotiations between Creative Associates International and the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF), a host country security entity created after Presidential Decree 62 and its bridging strategy

• Manage two international risk management service providers for Creative’s country programs, with a contract-ceiling portfolio of $83 million USD for OTI/Community Cohesion Initiative and $42 million USAID/Afghan Workforce Development Program
• Manage the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF) subcontracts in country totally a contract-ceiling value of $1 million USD
• Liaise with Creative HQ corporate from Kabul, Afghanistan (Contracts and Security departments) to ensure contract compliance and seamless start-up and change over from Private Security Companies (PSCs) to Risk Management Companies (RMCs) - this included navigating obstacles in Afghanistan with the legal and tax authorities on behalf of Creative HQ.

• Focal point to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on matters of electoral security and work plan implementation as a representative of IFES-STEP, a multimillion-dollar USAID funded program
• Ensured productive communication with the client (IEC), USAID on election operations (UN)
• Lead point of contact for the IFES close out team responsible for all aspects of operational, client management and program tasks
• IFES Program close out – Admin, Finance, Operations, Logistics and HR
• Including all asset disposition
• Promoted a safe work environment by establishing comprehensive safety procedures and conducting routine inspections.
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication and cross-functional initiatives.

• Successfully managed multiple activities simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
• Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
• Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
• Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.
• Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
• Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.

• Close Protection Unit focused on South African Presidential and Cabinet Ministerial representatives
• Close Protection Team Leader, managing and leading advance parties within other African republics in preparation for Presidential visits
• Posted oversees in Geneva, Switzerland as a Close Protection Officer to the South African Ambassador to the United Nations
• Operations department of both NIS/NIA and SASS
• Worked extensively on operations internationally
• Evaluated source reliability and information credibility, ensuring high-quality input for analytical processes.
• Engaged with international counterparts to share intelligence findings and coordinate joint efforts against common adversaries.
• Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders across government agencies, promoting collaboration on intelligence matters.
• Developed high-quality intelligence products for decision-makers, contributing to informed policy decisions.